We were so thrilled to greet all the wonderful prospective adoptive parents on Saturday. Being up early on a Saturday makes it all worth it when you see such beautiful smiling faces. They were prompt, eager to learn, and grateful for the granola bars in their snack bags.

Day three started a bit earlier than the others. At 8am, NCFA's member agencies convened over breakfast to hear an annual business report from president and CEO Chuck Johnson. More folks joined us this year than ever before! We must be doing something right.

Day two was jam packed with exciting sessions and speakers! Pam Wolf of Harmony Adoptions and Jan Clifton of Catholic Charities of Tennessee started off the day with a highly informative presentation and discussion on the Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) program, which helps adoptive parents succeed on every level by providing a state-wide, seamless system that supports children and families with pre- and post-adoption services that promote permanency and also helps communities nurture adoptive families.

I’ve just returned from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I
attended the Fifth International Policy Conference on the African Child,
“Intercountry Adoption: Alternatives and Controversies.” I learned a great deal
at this conference, and had the opportunity to hear from many individuals who
made a passionate case for African nationalism and culture, expressing real and
legitimate concerns about adopted African-born children losing their heritage
and cultural connections.